45 pages • 1 hour read
Margaret AtwoodThe Edible Woman
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1969A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Edible Woman, the debut novel by Margaret Atwood, follows Marian McAlpin, who, after getting engaged, grapples with the conflict between her desire for personal independence and societal expectations of women. As she struggles with her sense of identity, Marian finds herself unable to eat various foods, symbolizing her internal turmoil. Through shifting perspectives, Atwood explores the impacts of traditional female roles on one's physical and emotional self. Topics of manipulation and psychological distress are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood is lauded for its sharp critique of gender roles, with readers appreciating Atwood's wit and narrative innovation. Some find its surreal elements and protagonist's psychological journey engrossing. However, a few critique the pacing and find the feminist themes heavy-handed. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read with rich insights.
Who Should Read The Edible Woman?
Readers who would enjoy The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood are likely fans of feminist literature and psychological fiction. They may appreciate narratives similar to Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper, which explore themes of identity, autonomy, and societal expectations.